Silicon Valley Career Technical Education Center is working to increase access to quality Computer Science education. In the Mechatronics Engineering class, Coding is taught as a major module (more than 100 hours of coding Lessons, Labs and Workshops) .   Students will learn the programming language C++ and Python.  

Mechatronics is a year-long, 519-hour Laboratory Science course focusing on the scientific principles of physics, energy conservation, electronic sensing, computerized data acquisition, and automated process control.  This Mechatronics Engineering course satisfies California UC/CSU admission requirements A-G "d" for Science in Physics. This means you can replace your standard High school Physics class for SVCTE's Mechatronics Engineering. This Mechatronics Engineering course is designed to introduce students to the growing field of Mechatronics. Mechatronics is a blending of electrical and mechanical engineering & design. It is a study of the design of "intelligent" systems in which coding, mechanization and control, requiring sensing, actuation, and computation are combined to achieve improved product quality and performance. 

While CS classes and opportunities are expanding, too many students, especially girls, Black, Latino and Native American youth,  feel like it’s not for them.   As a result, the whole world misses out on the diverse perspectives needed to fuel innovation and drive change.  At SVCTE we will help ensure all young people understand the value of a CS education and feel welcomed and empowered to succeed.  

What is Computer Science? Computer science, or “CS,” is a very large subject. It blends all the “STEAM” subjects of science, technology, engineering , art and math, and also includes design. It’s important for students to learn these skills because computer science is everywhere. By increasing access to CS for all youth as early as possible, we help them prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow. This education gives them the opportunity to become the world’s next innovators. 

Hands-On Projects in AC/DC Electronics and Breadboard Circuits:

• Concrete Understanding: Hands-on projects offer students a tangible experience that reinforces theoretical knowledge. When students physically build circuits and observe their functionality, abstract concepts like voltage, current, and resistance become more concrete and easier to comprehend.

• Active Engagement: Active engagement is crucial for effective learning. By actively participating in building circuits, students are more engaged and invested in the learning process. This hands-on approach stimulates curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of electronics principles.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Hands-on projects provide students with opportunities to encounter and solve real-world problems. As they encounter challenges while constructing circuits, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They learn to troubleshoot issues, analyze circuit behavior, and implement solutions, which are valuable skills in any field.

• Creativity and Innovation: Hands-on projects encourage creativity and innovation. When given the freedom to design and build their circuits, students explore new ideas, experiment with different configurations, and come up with unique solutions to problems. This fosters creativity and empowers students to think outside the box.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaborative hands-on projects promote teamwork and collaboration. Working in groups, students learn to communicate effectively, share ideas, and delegate tasks. They learn to leverage each other's strengths and contribute to a shared goal, preparing them for future teamwork in academic and professional settings.

• Real-World Application: Hands-on projects provide students with practical, real-world application of their knowledge. By building circuits that mimic everyday electronic devices or solve practical problems, students see the relevance of their learning and gain a deeper appreciation for the subject.

• Preparation for Future Careers: Hands-on projects in AC/DC electronics and breadboard circuits prepare students for future careers in STEM fields. The skills they develop, including critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, are highly valued in engineering, technology, and other STEM-related industries.

• Intrinsic Motivation: Hands-on projects tap into students' intrinsic motivation by offering them the opportunity to create something tangible and meaningful. Seeing their projects come to life instills a sense of accomplishment and pride, motivating them to further explore and excel in the field of electronics.

By incorporating hands-on projects in AC/DC electronics and breadboard circuits into the curriculum, educators provide students with a dynamic, interactive learning experience that not only deepens their understanding of electronics principles but also equips them with valuable skills for success in the future.